The Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes From Scratch
There’s something magical about the aroma of cheesy scalloped potatoes wafting through your home on a chilly evening. This classic dish has been a staple on family dinner tables for generations, and for good reason! Layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and blanketed with melted cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience that’s impossible to resist.
Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for truly spectacular scalloped potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What Makes These Scalloped Potatoes Special
The secret to these potatoes lies in the perfect ratio of cream to cheese and the patient, layered building of flavors. Russet potatoes work beautifully here, as their starchy nature helps thicken the cream sauce while maintaining their shape. The combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan creates depth of flavor, while fresh thyme adds a subtle earthiness that elevates the entire dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature ensures the potatoes cook through evenly without scorching the cheese.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Warm this mixture gently – you’re not looking to boil it, just infuse the cream with all
those wonderful flavors. - While the cream is warming, slice your potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible. A mandoline slicer works wonders here, but a sharp knife and steady hand will also do the trick. The thinner the slices, the more even and faster they’ll cook.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then begin the layering process. Arrange half of your potato slices in slightly overlapping rows. This creates the foundation of your dish.
- Pour half of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Then scatter half of both cheeses across the surface. The cheese will melt into the cream, creating pockets of irresistible flavor.
- Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheese, creating a second delicious layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This initial covered baking period allows the potatoes to steam and cook through without browning too quickly.
- Bake covered for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for about 20 more minutes. This uncovered period is where the magic happens – the top becomes gloriously golden and bubbly, with crispy edges that provide textural contrast.
- Once baked to perfection, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the sauce set slightly, making serving easier.
- Just before bringing to the table, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the many reasons I love this recipe is its flexibility. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered. Simply bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, particularly ham or beef. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
The next time you’re craving something comforting, indulgent, and guaranteed to please a crowd, give these cheesy scalloped potatoes a try. They might just become your new favorite side dish!
What’s your favorite comfort food side dish? Let me know in the comments below!
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, Black and Stainless Steel (70730)
$54.99 (as of March 8, 2025 14:03 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, White and Stainless Steel (70733)
$54.99 (as of March 8, 2025 19:53 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
